£1m facelift for Beatrix Potter Lake District hotel

Lindeth Howe, the only hotel owned by children’s author Beatrix Potter, has unveiled a £1m investment.

Work at the site near Lake Windermere in the Lake District, includes bold new décor, a unique new ‘tea room’ for conferences and weddings, and total refurbishment of its downstairs lounges and bar area.

Built in 1879, Lindeth Howe was owned by Beatrix Potter for almost 20 years in the early 20th century and retains strong links with the globally-renowned writer and artist.

Now, as its current owners celebrate their 20th anniversary, they have unveiled a striking new look for the hotel aimed at broadening its appeal to visitors.

As well creating a vibrant new space for events, conferences and, for the first time, weddings, Lindeth Howe has also dropped ‘country house’ from its title in a bid to change outdated perceptions about the 34-bedroom hotel.

Interior designers Stylise undertook a three-month project to conceive and craft all the tea room furniture at its Cheshire-based workshop.

Meanwhile, renewed investment in Lindeth Howe’s bedrooms features hand-made wardrobes created by Cumbrian craftsman Ryan Blackburn.

A new vegetable garden and outdoor seating area for al fresco dining complete the transformation.

Hotel manager Tony Holden said: “We’re all very excited with the hotel’s new look, which I think still captures the spirit of Beatrix Potter’s love of nature and the Lake District landscape, but is very much appealing to 21st century leisure and conference guests.

“Lindeth Howe has a rich history and heritage, but like all businesses, we need to move with the times and this major investment is not only about offering returning customers a contemporary new experience, but also attracting national and international markets who may not have visited us before.

“We also want to make non-staying guests more aware of us as a destination for dining and provide an inspiring new environment for everything from birthday celebrations and family reunions to afternoon teas and Sunday lunches.”